prairie girl musings

Author: prairiegirlmusings

The Edinburgh Edit

Edinburgh is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever visited. With its cobblestoned streets and perfectly intact medieval architecture, it’s worth a visit based on looks alone. On my recent trip, I spent a lot of time looking up, mesmerized by the buildings and the views from every angle. A trip to Edinburgh offers the best of both worlds, it’s also brimming with culture, art and superb restaurants, It’s a place that will stay with you for awhile.

Where to stay
While there are plenty of hotels in the city centre, I opted for an Airbnb in Stockbridge. Reasonably priced and beautifully decorated, the bathroom and shower were both teeny tiny. The bedroom was cosy, but the lounge was my favourite part. Stockbridge itself has a village feel to it, it’s much quieter and more local than central Edinburgh. It’s also home to many delightful food and drink options. That said, it’s only a short walk (about 10-15 minutes) to the city centre.

If you’re looking for something closer to the action, G&V Royal Mile Hotel (formerly the Hotel Missoni) or The Witchery are both located on the Royal Mile (the main tourist drag of Edinburgh).

Where to eat
Edinburgh is known for its world-class culinary scene and regardless of whether you’re after a quintessential Scottish feed or something international, it will not disappoint. My absolute favourites are below:

Smith & Gertrude is a lovely Stockbridge institution for wine, cheese and small bites. I was dining alone and the service was impeccable. They even sent me on my way with a loooong list of must-visits.

For the love of cake, make sure you go to Lovecrumbs. They have two locations, one in the city centre and the second in Stockbridge. I ordered the vanilla and rosewater cake with a long black and it was divine!

Everyone told me to try Cowan & Sons, but unfortunately they had a kitchen malfunction when I visited. The menu looks delicious and the space is gorgeous, so make sure you check it out and let me know how it is if you’re in Edinburgh!

I popped into Hyde & Son on my first morning in Edinburgh when the city was still asleep. It gets top points for being open at 7am, for its flakey croissants and delicious cortados.

For one of the best coffees in Edinburgh, you can’t miss Artisan Roast. Again, they have more than one location, but all are perfect places to settle in with a cuppa.

If you love ice cream and cute interiors, be sure to check out Mary’s Milk Bar. It overlooks the Edinburgh Castle, which is an added bonus!

Timberyard has incredible cocktails (like fermented rhubarb and mead), artistic dishes and an industrial interior that appealed to me on all levels.

If you’re after a Michelin-starred meal, you’ll want to visit The Kitchin, one of Edinburgh’s most talked about restaurants by Tom Kitchin. Cuisine here is served on earthy tableware and the menu focuses on seasonal Scottish produce.

Favourite sights
There’s so much to see and do in Edinburgh, and I’d highly recommend wearing comfortable shoes. I averaged about 15km per day and the cobblestone streets are best tackled wearing sneakers.

Edinburgh Castle – While some say it’s slightly overrated and expensive, you can’t miss out on the castle if it’s your first time in Edinburgh. The city views are unbeatable and I was mesmerized by the collection of family jewels on display.

Calton Hill – with its grassy slopes and panoramic views, Calton Hill is one of the most peaceful spots in Edinburgh (despite the steep hike up…) Next to the Nelson Monument, you’ll see the acropolis-style structure designed., which was modelled on the Parthenon in Athens and dedicated to those who lost their lives in the Napoleonic Wars.

Fruitmarket Gallery – right across from Waverley Station (where you may be catching your next train) is a contemporary art space, which occupies a former fruit and vegetable market. It began its life as a gallery in 1974 and has a ‘floating’ roof, allowing natural light to fill the first floor.

Scottish National Portrait Gallery – Refurbished in 2011, the SNPG consists of three floors of portrait and photography collections and a painting of famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns. Be sure to visit the top floor, which features a suite of exhibition rooms.

Favourite shops
Life Story – for a curated selection of furniture, homewares, stationery, prints and jewelry, Life Story is a must! Sourced from around the world, there’s a distinct emphasis on Scandinavian designers.

Epitome – for understated pieces from a variety of Scottish and international designers, Epitome is the place to go. I was eyeing up a pair of Common Projects on my recent visit.

Dick’s – This local shop is full of practical and stylish items, including Shetland jumpers and gorgeous homewares. Had I a bit more space in my luggage, I would’ve surely returned home with one of their copper baskets.

Edinburgh surprised me and surpassed my expectations in every way possible. While I expected to experience a stunning city steeped in history, I was blown away by its sharp, witty personality and appreciation for the arts. Have you been before? I’d love to hear about your favourite spots.

September 20, 2018
11 Ways To Make Long Haul Travel Bearable

If you love travelling or simply live in a far-flung country (like New Zealand) long haul flights are inevitable. I’ve been travelling back and forth between Canada and New Zealand (and everywhere in between) for the past ten years and it doesn’t get any easier. That said, I have picked up a few tips along the way and have learned how make the journey more bearable…

Choose your seat ahead of time
For flights longer than two hours; I always opt for the aisle seat. It could be that I’m particularly restless, but I need to get up every hour or so to walk around. I also drink plenty of water and prefer not disturbing fellow passengers when I need to go to the bathroom.

Pack the perfect carry-on
I now give more attention to my carry-on than my checked luggage, ensuring I’ve got a toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, a face towel and plenty of moisturiser (face and body). Lately I’ve been packing sheet masks as well because they are such a simple luxury when you have nowhere to be. I probably wouldn’t bust one out on a busy flight, but recently, on a flight to Shanghai, I had a whole row to myself and indulged in a moisturising mask that didn’t need to be washed off. Rather than leaving the plane feeling like a shrivelled up raisin, I left feeling rejuvenated and fresh.

Travel off-peak
In previous years, I’d always try to go home for Christmas. However, in the past few years, I’ve been travelling off-peak and reaping the rewards. This year I’m heading home for Canadian Thanksgiving, which can be a busy time to travel domestically, but it’s super quiet internationally (it’s on a different day than American Thanksgiving). Whenever I travel during the off-season, the plane is empty and I often have an entire row to myself or in the very least, an extra seat.

Make the most of airline loyalty
I used to religiously fly Air Canada or basically any airline on the Star Alliance network, which proved extremely beneficial. I’d often get upgraded to business premiere when flying internationally. I haven’t had any upgrades in awhile (hint, hint Air Canada), but since changing to an Air New Zealand credit card, Nick was upgraded on a recent flight from Los Angeles and managed to get an entire night’s rest. Lucky! We also always get free lounge passes (neither of us are Koru Club members). If you can opt for an Airpoints credit card, do it because it makes travel so much better.

Break it up
I don’t book two back-to-back long haul flights if I can avoid it. Flying for nearly 24 hours straight isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time and the recovery time gets longer as you get older. If you’re flying from say England to New Zealand, try to see if you can fit in a one to two night stopover to break it up. Not only will you get to see a whole new place, you’ll look forward to the second leg of your journey a whole lot more!

Exercise before you fly
This is a tip I picked up from my dad, but I always try to go for a run or do a quick workout before I fly. Not only does it tire me out, it’s a nice way to get outside before being cooped up on a plane for several hours. It also makes me feel better about the lack of exercise I’ll be getting over the next day or so.

Pack a comfy change of clothes
Someone once told me that those who are dressed nicely (ie. those who look like business travellers) are more likely to get upgraded. I don’t know whether or not that’s true, but I usually try to look somewhat presentable when I’m boarding an international flight. I’ll always pack a change of clothes that are comfier than what I’m wearing, so I can get cosy during the flight.

Download your favourite podcasts and movies
Never have I do I ever get so into podcasts as when I travel. Lately, I’ve been listening to Jenna Kutcher’s Goaldigger Podcast and have picked up so many tips for my business and my blog.

Train your brain
Long-haul flying is a bit of a mind game. If you’re in the right headspace, you can trick yourself into enjoying it. I always look forward to reading the books I’ve packed and listening to new podcasts. Sometimes the entertainment available is so good, I manage to fit in two movies that I would have easily paid to see in cinemas.

Uninterrupted thinking
One of the best things about long-haul flights is the quiet thinking time you have to work through whatever it is you’re dealing with. I often come up with business ideas and plans while in the air away from the distractions of every day life.

Sleep and meditate
We all know that staying hydrated and avoiding too much caffeine and wine is key before, during and after flying. But maintaining your sanity whilst in the air requires a decent amount of sleep and likely a bit of mindfulness, If you’re an uneasy flyer, I encourage you to download meditation and mindfulness apps like Calm or Headspace. It’ll help pass the time and remind you of the exciting things ahead.

Well, there you have my top tips for more enjoyable long haul travel. If you’re still struggling, remind yourself how fortunate you are to be on a plane heading somewhere new and exciting (or maybe heading home to see your loved ones). It’s a cliché for a reason, but the journey is as important as the destination!

Photos by Carmen Huter

September 12, 2018
The Rainy Day Edit

Christchurch isn’t a particularly rainy city. Sure, there are weeks where we barely see the sun, but generally it’s pretty nice. That said, there’s something a bit exciting about having a few wardrobe items you look forward to pulling out on those less than ideal days. Further to that, I love having activities up my sleeve for dreary days that get me out of the house (though days spent curled up reading a book are nice, too.)

Rains raincoats were made for melancholic New Zealand days. I don’t know how anyone could be sad whilst wearing this shade of pink. It’s light, breathable and fits like a dream. I’m not going to lie, there are sunny days where I’d like to put this on…

Catching a flick at Alice Cinema has to be my ultimate rainy day activity. The intimate cinema always has a range of art films on rotation and I love the idea of staying within the central city to see a film. This week, I’m looking forward to seeing On Chesil Beach, which is based on a novella. The shorts look as bleak as the weather forecast (I’m a sucker for sad movies…)

Another favourite rainy day activity of mine is going out to eat. I find it so satisfying to tuck into a pub meal or linger over coffee when the weather’s less than ideal. My ultimate neighbourhood spots for a rainy day include Pomeroy’s (their burger is my favourite in town), Kadett for a flat white and cake (their kimchi toastie is out of this world!) and The Corner Store (home to Smokey T’s BBQ, yum!)

How do you spend rainy days? Do you stay indoors and take a nap or brave the storm?

Photography by Carmen Huter

September 4, 2018
NZFW 2018 Diary

Although I was planning on taking it easy this year at New Zealand Fashion Week, that’s not exactly how things played out…

I’ve attended the past three NZFWs, as well as a few overseas in Sydney and Toronto. But this was the first year I’ve been self-employed and haven’t had to take time off work! Despite my best intentions to only take in a few shows (to save myself from burning out), I managed to pack in four pretty full days and a lot of my other work fell by the wayside. Since I saw most of the shows, I thought I’d share a round-up of the week and my favourite moments with photos by my friend, Robyn at Anywhere I Roam.

Most impressive show…
Trelise Cooper‘s fashion week shows are always incredible, but this year really blew me out of the water. Full of colour and sass, the collection featured 70s and 80s style dresses, brocade and lots of sequin party-wear and even an electric blue pantsuit. Set to the tunes of flamboyant musical entertainers, I couldn’t resist dancing along in my seat. My favourite look was the mermaid pleated skirt that shimmered as the model walked down the catwalk. I attended this show with my bestie, Annie and we seriously had the best night out!

Coolest atmosphere…
Stolen Girlfriends Club always put on amazing shows. This year’s was held at the Red Bull HQ in Ponsonby and the atmosphere was just as cool as you’d imagine. With an open bar and cocktails flowing, attendees socialised and sipped on Stolen-themed drinks and Asahi beer before the 9PM show kicked off. The collection itself was a bit badass with plenty of leather, my personal favourite was the lilac leather coat. The finale featured models dragging glow-in-the-dark rubbish bins, commentary on the wastefulness of fast fashion, perhaps?

Most inventive showcase…
I knew I’d love Hej Hej‘s show even before the invites rolled in. New on the scene, Hej Hej is quickly becoming known for light-weight linens and comfy knits that pair so perfectly together for New Zealand’s haphazard weather. Their show was on a yacht, gin cocktails were flowing and the sun was out just in time for the 4PM start. Their latest collection, Cruise Control is full of pared back, loose fitting linen staples that you’ll reach for all summer long.

Overall favourite show…
The Twenty Seven Names show kicked off with the Auckland Girls Grammar choir singing Rihanna’s Diamonds, setting the tone for an amazing show. This Wellington brand can do no wrong in my eyes, their clothes use wearable (often recycled) materials in the most fun prints and cuts. This collection was particularly colourful, with canary yellow coats, pink shift dresses and emerald green blazers. Taking place at Showroom 22’s light-filled studio, the show was intimate and the music was incredible — favourite 90s tunes in all their glory.

What I wore…
I decided to opt for comfort this year because I knew I’d be running around like crazy, catching Ubers, meeting with clients, and tapping away on my laptop between shows. I borrowed quite a few outfits from my favourite brands Leo + Be and RUBY to name a few and packed my favourite pieces from Kiwi designers like Twenty Seven Names and Hej Hej. I handpicked a Witchery blazer from my friends at Undertow Media and next thing I know, I’m seeing the same shade at the three next shows… I’m pretty thrilled to see colour come back in.

Where I stayed…
The Grand Mercure in Auckland is perfectly situated for a week of fashion-filled festivities. I checked in on Monday and never wanted to leave. The amenities include a virtual fitness room, a pillow menu, delicious room service, and TV by the bath — if only I’d had time to fully enjoy it all. The level of service is incredible and I’ll definitely be booking another night’s stay here very soon!

Check out my vlog to see a hotel room tour.

Final words…
For me, NZFW is about so much more than just clothing. It’s a chance to catch up with friends (I’m looking at you, Robyn), meet new faces and get inspired. The creativity of New Zealand designers never ceases to amaze me and I love seeing how they embrace the ever-changing industry. Fashion needs to be more sustainable and considered and many Kiwi designers are taking a step back, creating smaller capsule collections that will stand the test of time. I always leave feeling excited (and exhausted) and ready to create new content.

All photography by Robyn Joan Wilson of Anywhere I Roam

September 2, 2018
The Summertime Skirt

It’s not quite spring in New Zealand, but today has been unseasonably warm (16 degrees!) and I’ve been dying to wear this skirt since picking it up in LA.

It’s from Reformation, one of my all-time favourite brands. All their pieces are made from super sustainable materials like rescued deadstock fabrics and repurposed vintage clothing. As they evolve, their aim is to continue creating more sustainable fabric options, challenging the current state of the fashion industry.

Their Melrose Avenue store in Los Angeles is amazing. As you wander around, eyeing up potential purchases, employees note down your faves and have them delivered to you. You can request new items and sizes using an iPad in the fitting room and your items will magically appear in your closet a few seconds later. Then, you can purchase your faves from the confines of your room. It’s the future!

Light and flowy, this skirt pairs perfectly with a more structured top or even a looser jumper depending on your taste. I love it with this striped number by Ruby (which is super comfy, by the way). For this shoot, I wore it with heels from Andrea Biani, however, it also works wonderfully with slides or sneakers.

Photography by Carmen Huter

August 22, 2018
Hawke’s Bay Highlights

Tell anyone you’re heading to Hawke’s Bay and the response will be overwhelmingly positive. New Zealanders from all around the country know this region is a worthy destination. Boasting some of the country’s best wineries, food and architecture, you’ll be amazed at how much there is to do. I met up with Ro Palmer, the functions wedding planner at Black Barn Vineyards for an afternoon of adventures. As she drove us across the rolling hills and vineyards, listing off all the cafés, eateries and wineries I had to visit, I knew I was in for a treat. Read on to see why this is a must-visit New Zealand spot.

Accommodation
If you’re planning a visit to Hawke’s Bay, you’ll likely want to base yourself in one of three municipalities, Napier, Hastings or Havelock North. If you’re after a central location that overlooks the water, my recommendation is to book yourself in to The Crown Hotel. Housed in a gorgeous Art Deco building, The Crown has all the amenities you’ll need whether you’re on holiday or travelling for business. Its close proximity to several excellent restaurants, F.G. Smiths and Mamasons to name just two, is reason enough to book yourself a room. If you’re after something a bit more remote, check out Black Barn’s retreats. They have sixteen accommodation options available, and I fell in love with The Poplars (pictured below).

Napier
If you’re flying into Hawke’s Bay Airport, you’ll find yourself only ten minutes from the heart of Napier, where’s there’s plenty to see (and eat). There are pastel Art Deco buildings everywhere you look. Earthquakes struck Napier in 1931 and the entire city was rebuilt in the Art Deco style. Don’t miss the Sound Shell, The Masonic Hotel, Art Deco Centre.

After walking around, marvelling at all the architecture, you’ve probably built up quite the appetite. I recommend the following cafés, eateries and specialty shops:

F.G. Smith – interesting breakfast options to satisfy all palettes, Smiths is part of the Eat Drink Share Hawke’s Bay group, so know you’ll love everything about this spot.

Mister D – for the most famous donuts in Hawke’s Bay (maybe New Zealand), head to Mister D. I tried their smashed avocado with dukka and poached eggs for brunch and it was divine. Conveniently down the laneway is Monica Loves, one of Napier’s best wine bars. Just look out for neon, “Who Shot The Barman” sign and you’re in the right place.

MamaSons – This place specialises in dumplings and pizza, and it’s attached to The Globe theatre – a boutique art house cinema.

Milk and Honey – I didn’t have a chance to eat here, but it’s The Crown’s in-house restaurant and was constantly teeming with customers.

Hunger Monger – For the best, freshest seafood in the city, look no further than this Marine Parade restaurant.

Chocolatier Mirams – the prettiest chocolates you’ve ever laid your eyes on in the sweetest little shop just off the main drag.

Mission Estate Winery – as the birthplace of New Zealand wine, be sure to pay Mission Estate a visit. Established in 1851 by pioneering French missionaries, the old seminary has been immaculately maintained.

Blackbird Goods – with goods from near and far, the aesthetic shop stocks products that have been ethically sourced and sustainably made. Its evident the husband and wife team have incredible taste in interiors and household items; they tell me all the products are ones they’ve got in their home (or wish they had).

Takaro Trails – Hawke’s Bay is incredibly cycle-friendly, so be sure to take yourself on a self-guided tour. We hired bikes from Takaro, embarked on a Sunday afternoon cruise to Bay View for lunch by the sea and then marvelled at the spring lambs.

Hastings:
Hastings is a 20-minute drive from Napier and has recently seen an influx of delicious cafés, eateries and art galleries. I suggest spending an afternoon here before heading to Havelock North.

Brave Brewing Co. – The craft beer scene has recently boomed in the Bay and Brave is one of its most noteworthy breweries. The sparse, minimalist space is easy on the eyes and you’ll want to sample a few craft beers and maybe buy a few before leaving.

Funbuns – An Asian fusion eatery that’s known for its Hong Kong style buns and incredible cocktails. Funbuns recently took home a few accolades at Hawke’s Bay Hospitality Awards and it’s easy to see why. Their loaded fries are the best I’ve ever tried mostly due to the heavy amounts of kimchi. The okonomiyaki is filling and flavourful.

Little Blackbird Eatery – A healthy café and eatery, Little Blackbird is a wonderful place to spend a few hours. I cosied up near the fireplace to tackle my emails with a heaping bowl of pumpkin vegetable soup.

Parlour Projects – In addition to the main art galleries and museums, make sure you pay Parlour Projects a visit. The stark white space features a revolving collection of artists.

Opera Kitchen – Next door to Parlour Projects is Opera Kitchen (another Eat Drink Share establishment) with delightful ice coffee and an enticing cabinet.

La Petite Chocolat – Organic, fair trade chocolate and drinking chocolate, which can also be found at the Hastings Farmer’s Market on Sundays.

Little Red Book Shop – The sweetest little second-hand bookshop with floor to ceiling bookshelves, you could easily spend an entire afternoon leafing through their extensive collection.

Hastings Farmer Market – Held every Sunday at the Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds, you won’t want to miss the local market. It’s the place to hang out on a Sunday morning, grab a bacon and egg sandwich, a Bay espresso coffee and peruse the stalls.

Havelock North:
Havelock North is the smallest of the municipalities, worth visiting for its proximity to several world-class wineries:

Black Barn Vineyards and Bistro – My favourite winery in the Hawke’s Bay area, Black Barn is known for its Bordeaux style reds and award-winning chardonnay. Wines from the boutique vineyard are available only through their cellar door and their website, so it’s definitely worth visiting in person. Pop into the bistro for a fantastic lunch or grab something to go at their shop. In the summertime, they play host to Saturday morning Grower’s Markets and often have concerts at the amphitheatre.

Craggy Range – World-famous for a reason, stop by the cellar door or have lunch at their award-winning restaurant. Unfortunately, it’s closed until spring, so we just missed out.

Elephant Hill – Another fantastic, innovative winery with one of the local, seasonal lunches on offer.

Pipi’s Café and Truck –There’s a reason why Pipi’s is an institution, the pizzas are incredible and the wine is flowing. All the pink tables and furnishings were right up my alley.

Te Mata Peak – Panoramic views of rolling hills and the city below, you can walk, bike or drive up to the highest peak in the area.

So, there you have it. My list of Hawke’s Bay highlights. Should you be planning a visit soon, please feel free to reach out via Instagram or by emailing me at vanessa@lovett.nz.

August 20, 2018
On Improving My Most Important Relationship

Cadence’s 8-week challenge wrapped up a few weeks ago, but I intentionally waited awhile before writing my final update. I needed to give myself time to soak in the experience and reflect on what I took away from pushing my body a little further than I usually do.

Doing a challenge of any sort is a big commitment. Prior to starting my classes at Cadence, I was going to the gym two or three times per week. By the end, I was exercising five, sometimes six days a week and feeling it. I actually had to invest in the occasional sports massage because my muscles were so sore. Having previously dreaded going to spin classes of any sort, I absolutely adore the variety at Cadence. My favourite classes are called “More Than Just Cycling” because you’re off the bike just as much as you’re riding. Even when I tell myself I’m going to take it easy, slacking off is impossible. The classes are designed to push you to the limit and I always leave feeling accomplished.

In terms of numbers, I didn’t lose much weight. I stayed the same, but gained a bit more muscle and a lot more confidence. When I started the challenge, my anxiety levels were the highest they’d ever been. I was always on edge and self-care simply wasn’t a priority. What I’ve noticed over the past few months is a shift in attitude, not just towards my body, but towards my abilities in other areas. I’ve also prioritised my mental health and listening to my body. The challenge wasn’t about fitting in as many classes as I possibly could, it was about knowing when to take a day off and rest. We forget that sometimes.

Fittingly, Cadence is now offering another eight-week challenge that focuses on self-love. Their Self-Love series involves three classes per week (cycling, circuits, yoga and pilates) and a seminar with Body Love‘s Courtney Durr. For me, that’s what exercise is all about: learning to love our bodies and ourselves. Visit the Cadence website to learn how you can take part.

This post was written in partnership with Cadence, but all opinions are my own.

Photography by Ana Galloway

August 14, 2018
The Engagement Edit

I couldn’t decide which engagement photos to share on Instagram, so why not share a bunch of my favourites on the blog?

Engagement photos aren’t hugely common in New Zealand, although ‘adventure shoots’ and ‘couple sessions’ are becoming quite popular. We wanted to have a bit of a practice run with our photographer before our big day. While I’m pretty accustomed to being in front of the camera, Nick isn’t, so it was super helpful being able to ‘test the waters’ without any wedding day jitters or chaos. In the end, it was super helpful for both us and Ana as we got to know how one another works to ensure the best possible outcome come our wedding day. Also, I was able to fit in a hair appointment and a makeup trial prior to the shoot, which was extra handy. If you have the chance to do a couple shoot or engagement shoot, do it!

We met with our wedding photographer, Ana Galloway, who was in town photographing Wild Hearts, and drove up the Port Hills. It was a ridiculously windy day and some of my favourite shots are the ones where my hair is blowing every which way! Fortunately, we managed to finish the shoot before the rain rolled in.

We discovered Ana’s work via Instagram (of course) and love her knack for capturing raw emotion so beautifully. Her documentary-style photography is natural and not overly edited, so we’ll look back when we’re 85 and still love the photos. In the end, we couldn’t be happier that we were able to shoot with Ana before our wedding day.

On another note, I just realised that I never shared our engagement story. Leave me a comment below if you’d like to hear it and I’ll write a post.

Photography by Ana Galloway
Makeup by Kasia Stanicich
Hair by Savvy Hair Design

August 10, 2018
Self-Care Habits I’ve Adopted Since Working For Myself

Although self-employment is relatively new to me, I actually worked from home while living in Toronto. I was one of three employees at a small start-up and had a little pull-out desk in the corner of my one-bedroom apartment. It was tiny, but right next to the window, so I was able to look outside at the city below.

There were definitely ups and downs. One day I loved it and the next I resented not having an office to go to every morning. Working for yourself takes discipline and self-care. I know a few of you are self-employed and work from home as well, so I thought I’d how share the ways I’ve managed to maintain my sanity. Read on for my top seven tips…

Dedicate space to your ‘office’
If you predominantly work from home, it’s important to dedicate space to your ‘office’. Even if you don’t have a spare room, you should still set up a desk and a comfortable (ideally ergonomic chair) so you can focus and get work done. I often shift from my office (where the light is best) to our kitchen table, where I have a bit more space to spread out.

Set boundaries
Setting boundaries is one of the most challenging aspects of working for yourself because, let’s face it, there’s no one else to pick up the slack if you need to take a day off. That said, boundaries are important and you should set them. That’s not to say your boundaries will be the same as someone in a conventional job (I’m writing this on a Sunday afternoon, after all). Depending on your business goals and the type of work that you do, you might need to work the occasional Saturday or take calls after 6PM.

Get outside
This is probably what I struggle with the most (and what I struggled with when I worked for a start-up). I try to workout in the morning, just to ensure I get some fresh air to start my day off on the right foot. I also organise photoshoots, coffee dates and lunchtime meetings to ensure I’m meeting with clients and friends face-to-face rather than over the phone. Otherwise, I could easily be sitting in my pjs until 4PM…

* Please note that as of 20 March, 2020, I’m practicing social distancing and only going outside when necessary (to pick up groceries and for a short jog around my neighbourhood).

Have a strong support system
For me, this has been the most vital thing since deciding to work for myself. I’m lucky that I have a supportive partner who is able to deal with my occasional bout of neediness. And my family, though far away, are always willing to chat me through difficult periods. As a blogger, it helps to have friends who aren’t in the industry and don’t work in the digital space. I find it so important to have people in my life who know about the things I don’t choose to share online and who offer perspective when I’m spiralling into an Instagram vortex.

Find your community
That said, I also love having fellow blogger and photographer friends and friendships that started online. I’m travelling to London with my first ever Instagram friend next month, and she’s even coming to our wedding next year. It’s incredible that we live in such a digital age, where friendships can go from online to offline so seamlessly. In New Zealand, I’ve found a local community of creatives who work for themselves or from home, which helps fuel collaboration. When I started Prairie Girl Musings in 2012, the blogosphere was still such a weird, unknown space. Not a lot of people were sharing their opinions online, so I often felt quite alone and unusual. It’s exciting to see blogging receive more and more acknowledgment as a viable career.

Get used to rejection
In addition to feelings of isolation and a lack of routine, self-employed individuals also deal with rejection, especially if you’re in an industry where you’re putting yourself out there constantly. I’ve developed thick skin and mental resilience simply by pitching my ideas to brands and PR agencies day after day. Managing your emotions and not taking things personally is key and I urge you to treat your job as just that. Continue pushing yourself in the right direction and always ask for feedback because rejection is rarely personal.

Celebrate milestones
Just like at a traditional job, I’m learning to reward myself when I hit certain milestones. I’ll never forget my first sponsored blog post and how excited I was to be creating content for a brand. I poured my creativity into that campaign, coming up with a unique angle, styling and photographing the products, writing and editing my words until everything sounded just right. While it may not be time for a bonus, why not celebrate by treating yourself to a nice dinner or a maybe even a long weekend away? Without a boss to commend your efforts, give yourself permission to celebrate your hard work.

Photos by Sophie Isabella

I’d love to hear from you. If you work from home or not, let me know how you look after yourself.

August 5, 2018
Thirty Goals For My Thirties

In less than four months, I’ll be turning thirty. I’m not one to let a big milestone pass by unannounced and I wanted to reflect on my twenties and set some intentions for the decade ahead. This is a long post (apologies in advance) — so grab a cup of coffee and let’s crack into it, shall we?

Find my niche. My twenties were all about experimentation and trying out a few different career options. After I finished university, I had a pretty clear idea of what I wanted to do. But that’s changed immensely over the past five years. I went from working in publishing to working at a start-up to working for an advertising agency and then a communications agency. I’m now working for myself and it feels SO GOOD. That said, I want to continue to develop my skills until I find my sweet spot. I’ve started moving into strategy and consulting work and I absolutely love it.

Re-brand. I created this blog when I was in my early twenties and A LOT has changed since then. My first few posts were about the heartache of a long distance relationship and my feelings of displacement. While I never want to forget my prairie roots and will always be a prairie girl at heart, it’s time for a more grown-up brand. Stay tuned because there are exciting plans in the works!

Work with my favourite brands. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with some ridiculously cool local companies and I want to continue doing so well into my thirties.

Work internationally. It’s no secret that I love travelling and it’s my dream to work with international clients and brands. On the other hand, I am considering a possible relocation sometime in my thirties (to be completely vague about it…) I miss my family a lot, so many visits home are on the cards as well.

Meet you at the barre. I’d like to do weekly barre classes. I trained as a dancer when I was in high school and university, but haven’t danced since my early twenties. Fortunately, Les Mills has introduced barre classes and I’m all about that!

Dance. Barre’s fun and all, but there’s something about actual dance classes that’s so liberating. I’m going to enrol in a weekly dance class because I miss dancing all the time.

City guides. It turns out you all love city guides as much as I do (yay!) so I’ll continue to share international guides throughout my thirties. I have a few international destinations coming up within the next few months, so make sure you’ve subscribed to my blog updates.

Live more sustainably. Can fashion blogging and sustainability go hand in hand? (I’m actually writing a post about this at the moment…) It’s something I’ve been wanting to explore and discuss with you all, especially as my interest in conscious consumption grows. Expect more on this subject over the next few years.

Collaborate and celebrate community. The media and marketing community in Christchurch is small but mighty and I’m all about collaboration. So, hit me up, would ya? Also, my friends at Mooch Style and I hosted a bloggers workshop awhile ago, so we need to kick those off again!

Focus on the blog. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, your own channels are where it’s at! I’m going to spend less time on Instagram and dedicate more time to this bloggity blog.

Enrol in a photography course. The incredible quality of my iPhone and mirrorless camera have meant that I’ve been able to take most of my content without any training. I’d like to change that by enrolling in a photography course and learning how to properly use a DSLR.

Get married. Nick and I met nine and a half years ago and if someone told us we would one day get married, I wouldn’t have believed them. Our relationship has seen many stages and I’m glad we waited this long to get married. In all honesty, we’ve been common law partners for awhile and I don’t want marriage to change what we have. We’ve been through so much together: long distance, moving halfway across the world for one another, homesickness, unemployment, career changes, buying a house… We both feel like we’ve experienced as much as a married couple without the paperwork (well, actually there was a lot of paperwork for both our visas, so I take that back!) While we don’t want marriage to change us, it’ll be nice to celebrate with our family and friends — those who’ve supported us throughout our ten years.

Live healthily. This is an ongoing goal of mine and encompasses both physical and mental health. Sometimes I forget to check in with myself and I’d like to do that more in my thirties.

Drink less. I wouldn’t say that I drink too much (but hey, that’s subjective). However, I do know how unhealthy it is and I want to live a long life, so I’m going to cut back in my thirties.

Self-care. I’m delving into self-care habits I’ve adopted in my next post, so stay tuned. It’s something that will continue to be a major focus in my thirties.

Explore the possibility of children. This is something I’ve never ever talked about on my channels before. Obviously, it’s hugely personal and I’m not quite ready to share everything on this front yet.

Vulnerability. So much of what we share is filtered, edited, revised. As a writer, I’m all about re-reading what I’ve written and making adjustments. I don’t think I’ll ever be 100% unfiltered, off-script. I’m Canadian, we’re taught that too much information is sometimes too much… That said, there’s something so incredible about sharing our truest selves and talking about the not-so-glamorous parts of our lives. Expect more of that coming your way.

Get back into running. I still run quite regularly, but I haven’t completed any sort of race in awhile. I’d like to do another half marathon or two in my thirties.

Less screen time. I use my phone for work every day. Whether I’m answering emails on the go, posting an Instagram story or snapping a photo of my lunch, my phone is always by my side. I’d like to limit my screen time to work hours and spend more quality face-to-face time with my friends and loved ones.

Family time. This is an ongoing goal as well, but I’d like to live closer to my parents and spend more time with my immediate family. We’re all very close and it often feels ridiculous to live on another continent, so far away from them.

Read more. I studied English Literature and used to read at least five books a month (we were assigned many more than that, but who can read four novels a week?!) Anyway, I’ve read an embarrassingly little amount since then, so I’d like to get back into that.

Vouch for myself. As a self-employed freelancer, I sometimes get requests that are laughable and frankly, insulting. Negotiating rates and contracts can feel scary, but it’s so important to vouch for yourself and your skills.

Say no. Saying no to opportunities that aren’t a good fit, people that I’ve outgrown (or have outgrown me) isn’t easy, but it’s something I’ve been working on.

Be opinionated. Young girls are taught to be nice and polite, pleasant and respectful. While these can be admirable qualities, what’s more admirable is having a voice, sticking up for yourself and others, and having an opinion, particularly on issues that matter. My thirties are all about sharing my opinion, even when it’s not the popular one.

Support others. There are so many talented creatives in New Zealand and I want to celebrate everything those around me have accomplished.

Explore more. I live in a pretty freaking beautiful country. Let’s explore it, shall we?

Shop local. I won’t type another word on this subject as you’ve probably read my twenty previous posts, but I’m still listing it as a regular goal.

Pro bono work. This speaks for itself, but I’d like to get to a point where I can offer free marketing and consulting work for the causes I believe in. I want to use my channels to talk about issues that matter to me. Locally, I’d like to work with the City Mission again.

Entrepreneurship. There were many reasons why I decided to quit my full-time job to freelance full-time. I’d like to spend my thirties working for myself and continuing to develop my business. It’s scary but amazing to be my own boss, set my own hours and work towards my own dreams.

Celebrate. Not to get all cheesy on you, but there are moments in life worth celebrating and turning thirty is one of them. I’m anticipating at least a weeklong celebration…

All photos by Malia Rose Photographer

Thank you for supporting me by reading these posts, leaving comments and sharing your own experiences. It means the world that I get to write for a living, it’s always been my dream even as a young girl.

July 31, 2018